For the first time, global governments have agreed to widespread international trade bans and restrictions for sharks and rays being driven to extinction.
Last week, more than 70 shark and ray species, including oceanic whitetip sharks, whale sharks, and manta rays, received new safeguards under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. The convention, known as CITES, is a United Nations treaty that requires countries to regulate or prohibit international trade in species whose survival is threatened.
Sharks and rays are closely related species that play similar roles as apex predators in the ocean, helping to maintain healthy marine ecosystems. They have been caught and traded for decades, contributing to a global market worth nearly $1 billion annually, according to Luke Warwick, director of shark and ray conservation at Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), an international nonprofit dedicated to preserving animals and their habitats.
It’s great to see nations coming together to protect sharks and rays. These measures are crucial for preserving marine ecosystems and ensuring the survival of these important species. Hopefully, this marks a significant step towards more sustainable practices in global trade.
their survival and the health of marine ecosystems. It’s interesting to note that these protections could also benefit local fisheries by promoting healthier fish populations in the long run. Hopefully, this will lead to more collaborative efforts in marine conservation.